Disposal fees cut for some businesses
IN THE CITY
by Dana H. Fowler
Universal Waste (UW) is a category of solid waste that is regulated by state law due to the toxicity of certain components in the Universal Waste item.
Universal Wastes include computer monitors, televisions, fluorescent bulbs, thermostats, PCB light ballasts, and certain batteries. The toxicity in Universal Waste is typically due to heavy metals such as mercury and lead. Universal Waste originating from businesses has been regulated by state law since 2005 and UW from our homes has been regulated since July 2006.
Several years ago, the state enacted a program in cooperation with manufacturers of televisions and computer monitors where the manufacturer paid for the transportation and recycling of the UW item. This program was very advantageous for homeowners because it greatly reduced the disposal cost for televisions and computer monitors that originated from homes as opposed to businesses. The good news is that the legislature passed a law this year that took effect in June that now allows small businesses to enjoy the same low disposal fees as homeowners have enjoyed for several years.
The fee for disposal of a television or computer monitor at the Presque Isle Universal Waste Facility, which is located inside the Recycling Center at 655 Missile Street, is $2 if the TV or monitor comes from a home. That same TV or monitor did cost $15 if it originated from a business or any place other than the home. Thanks to this new law, most businesses will now pay the same disposal fees as homeowners.
The new low fees apply to elementary schools, secondary schools, small businesses, and small non-profits. The law defines “small” as fewer than 100 employees. This means a for-profit or non-profit entity with less than 100 employees will only have to pay $2 each for the disposal of their television or computer monitor as opposed to $15 each that was required before the law went into effect. The savings soon mount up especially if you have a number of monitors or televisions to dispose of,
If you have any questions about this new law or how to dispose of other Universal Waste items, please contact the Solid Waste office at 760-2712 or the Recycling Center at 764-9393.
Dana H. Fowler, P.E. is the public services director for the city of Presque Isle. He can be contacted at 760-2712 or via e-mail at dfowler@presqueisleme.us.
